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Pontoon Classroom
A Fun & Educational Experience, Designed to Teach Participants About the Different Facets of Lake Ecology, Lake Protection & Lake Management
2008 Wisconsin Lake Convention Engaging Youth In Lake Issues Audrey Greene Mary Knipper
The Pontoon Classroom is based on an idea originating from Fox Lake's planning grant in 1994. Mary Danoski, WAL Board Member and retired educator, designed the Pontoon Classroom to help students understand lake ecosystems and develop a stewardship project beneficial to the entire community.
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Getting Started
- Sponsor Group Start Planning 6 - 12 Months
Before
– When?
- School Groups – May or September?
- Adult Groups – Summer Weekend?
– Location?
- Close to good lake points for Water Stations
- Need good boat access
- Need room for Land Stations
- Restrooms
- Shelter
TARGET AUDIENCE?
– Grade 12 - College
Owners – Lake Users
- Elected Officials
- Policy Makers
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Meet With School Contacts
- Provide an Information Packet
- How Many Students? Be Realistic!
- Know Who will Pay for Buses
- Know Time Frames – ½ day – Full Day
- Give School 1-2 Sponsor Group Contacts –
Phone & Email
- Be Flexible with Dates and Times
Packet for Teachers
– What it is & Benefits for their students
- Who are the sponsors
- Tentative Schedule of the Day
- Proposed Education Stations
- Articles – Photos – Testimonials from
Previous Pontoon Classroom Events
!They Need To Explain Program to Others!
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Educational Station Ideas *Number Based on Student Numbers* Meet the Warden
Resource: Local DNR Office
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Fisheries
Resources: DNR – Local Fishing Guides -
Aquatic Invertebrates
Resources: DNR – Teacher – Conservation office
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The Watershed Game
Resources: Lake Assn members – Conservation Office – UW- Extension -
Various Methods of Watershed Education
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Aquatic Plant Identification
Resources: DNR – Lake Assn – Land Conservation Office – UW- Ext – Teacher – Lake Monitor
Water Quality Monitoring
Resources: DNR – Local Water Quality Monitor – USGS
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Clean Boats – Clean Waters
Resources: DNR – UW-Ext – CB/CW Volunteers – Lake Assn.
Police Water Patrol
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Lake History
Resources: Lake Assn. – Sanitary District – Lake District
Challenges & Recommendations (Lessons We Have Learned)
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How Many Students?
Number of Total Stations? Number of Pontoon Boats Available? Capacity of Each Boat? Launching Ability
The Schedule
# of Pontoon Classrooms: 5 # Times on Schedule: 0
Floating Coordinators help groups stay on schedule – (1) on Land – (1) on Water Cell Number for Pontoon Captains & Station Leaders
BE FLEXIBLE BE FLEXIBLE
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Organize
Saint Andrews – 33 [3 groups of (10) students] + [1 group of (3) students]Groups A – B - C Group D Our Redeemer – 29 [1 group of (6) students - join Group of (3) from
- St. Andrews] + [1 group of (7) students] + [1 group of (10) students] + [1
group of (6) students] Group D Group E Group F Group G Phoenix MS - 30 [1 group of (4) to join the group of (6) from Our Redeemer] + [1 group of (10) students] + [1 group of (9) students] + [1 Group of 7 Group G
Meet your Captains Know your Boats
Pontoons: #1 – Captain: Kevin Mahuge Holds (10) students + 1 chaperone #2 – Captain: Joe Nitty Holds (10) students + 1 chaperone #3 – Captain: Ed Heferen Holds (10) students + 1 chaperone #4 – Captain: Mr. Jordnt Holds (9) students + 1 chaperone #5 – Captain: Jack Mudgett Holds (7) students + 1 chaperone #6 – Captain : Gary DeVres (Alternate)
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Map Station Locations
Weather
Bad Weather: Have Contact Info for Cancellation Decide Before – How Bad is Bad Enough to Cancel Good Weather – High Winds Have a Back-up Plan to Bring Stations on the Land SAFETY FIRST!!!!! SAFETY FIRST!!!!!
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More Tips
- Bottled Water
- Boxed Lunches
- Life Jackets for Everyone
- Supply Each Captain & Volunteer with Schedule
& Map
- Dress for the Weather
- Designate a “Pontoon Classroom” Photographer
- Keep Notes – Reference for Next Year
Invite the Media
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Questions?
